Another beautiful picture-lesson is shown within the Tabernacle arrangement. It is, in some ways, the most important, but, in other ways, it is the most overlooked. This picture, or type calls to mind three critical questions. What was the purpose of the priesthood? Why did they sacrifice? Who benefited from these sacrifices?

Some Christians do see the lessons that have been illustrated by type and anti-type in the Court. They appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus, but they do not see their privilege of becoming footstep followers—members of the priestly profession—sacrificing priests. Others see the anti-typical privileges and blessings inside the Holy of the Tabernacle but fail to realize that these illustrate God’s promise to Abraham: “In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 28:14

Careful study of the symbolisms found in the Tabernacle provides clearer understanding of the plan of God and a broader appreciation of salvation. “Moses and Aaron… came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people.” (Leviticus 9:23) Yes, those in the Camp—the vast majority of the Israelites—were separated by the linen curtain which kept the activities of the Tabernacle from view, yet, they benefited by these activities. So too, those pictured outside in the Camp— the world of mankind—will benefit from this sacrificing priesthood. This illustrates God’s mercy—the wonderful future destiny of not only Christians, but of every man, woman and child who has ever lived! 1 Timothy 4:10

 In the type, only a small number among the Israelites were Levites. Even fewer, taken from among the Levities, were sacrificing priests, permitted to enter the Holy. And only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy. The purpose of this priesthood was to offer sacrifices for the people. Those sacrifices were to atone for sin— not merely the sins of the priests, but the sins of “all the people.” Not until all the sacrificing was finished, did the blessing come to the people in the Camp. The sacrificing priests were the instruments of God’s merciful plan to accomplish the blessing of all others.